System and method for calibration and mapping of real-time location data

ABSTRACT

A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/223,564 filed Mar. 24, 2014, which in turn is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/452,133 filed Apr. 20, 2012, the entiretyof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method of collecting datawith an encoded information reading (EIR) terminal where the resultantdata can be utilized to map the location of at least one object in threedimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensionalspace.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Radio-frequency identifier (RFID) methods are widely used in a number ofapplications, including smart cards, item tracking in manufacturing,inventory management in retail, etc. An RFID tag can be attached, e.g.,to an inventory item. An EIR terminal can be configured to read thememory of an RFID tag attached to an inventory item.

EIR terminals with integrated RFID reading capabilities can read RFIDtags from a range of distances and various terminal orientations withrespect to an RFID tag being read. When an EIR terminal comprising anRFID reading device is configured to display a scan trace, it providesthe EIR terminal's operator with a visual feedback with respect to thescanning progress. At any moment in time, the RF signal coverage emittedby an EIR terminal can be defined by a 3D shape. The form and size ofthe 3D shape defining the RF signal coverage depends, among otherfactors, on the orientation of the EIR terminal, the RFID transmit powerlevel, and the number and configuration of the RF antennas employed bythe EIR terminal. Hence, a target scan area by an EIR terminal can bevisualized as a projection of the 3D RF signal coverage shape onto anarbitrarily chosen plane.

For a moving EIR terminal, a visual scan trace can be provided bydifferent graphical representations such as a solid line, continuousline, or a dotted line, each line defined by a multitude of time varyingpoints, each point being a projection of the 3D RF signal coverage shapeonto the arbitrarily chosen plane at a given moment in time. Theimaginary plane onto which the visual scan trace is projected can bechosen to intersect a physical structure containing a plurality of itemsto be inventoried, and thus the scan trace can be overlaid over an imageof the physical structure.

RFID reading devices usually offer improved efficiency over bar codescanning devices for retail inventory, by being capable of readingmultiple RFID tags that are within range of the RF signal transmitted byan RFID reading device. A downside to this multiple-read capability islack of scanned items localization, due to insufficient correlationbetween where the RFID reader is located or oriented, and the RFID tagsbeing read. Retail inventory management typically requires more than 90%of the RFID tags present in a department to be successfully acquiredduring the inventory process. When this high accuracy is not achieved,it is currently necessary to rescan the entire department, since thelocations of any unread RFID tags are unknown.

A need exists for a method and system for inventory management thatcapitalizes on the advantages of RFID tags, while improving efficiency.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to increase profits by efficientlyand effectively tracking inventory so that sales are not lost becauseitems are unexpectedly out of stock due to inventory errors. Whenmerchants do not purchase popular products under the mistaken impressionthat these products are still in stock, potential sales are lost.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the effortrequired to track inventory.

Another object of the present invention is to automate the stepsrequired to track inventory so that the process is less susceptible tohuman error, is faster, and therefore requires less human labor,lowering labor costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninventory-tracking system and method that is transferrable and useableacross products and hardware and software platforms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninventory-tracking system and method that is useable across manyinventory display configurations, physical structures, including but notlimited to rectangular shelving units, circular hanging racks, linearracks, and tables.

An embodiment of the present invention includes the followingcomponents: 1) an EIR terminal configured to read RFID tags; and 2) dataregarding the overall dimensions of a physical structure for which ascan trace is to be displayed. In embodiments of the present invention,the dimension data for a given physical structure can be stored in atleast one database, or it can be available as part of a custom bar codeand/or RFID tag affixed to the physical structure. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, when the dimension data is stored in one or moredatabases, it is indexed by a value in a custom bar code and/or RFID tagaffixed to the physical structure and accessed by the EIR terminal uponscanning this value.

An embodiment of the present invention utilizes an EIR terminal with agraphical user interface (GUI). This EIR terminal is configured toscan/read RFID tags and images of decodable indicia, such as barcodes.The EIR terminal is augmented with an imaging device, positioningpackage, including but not limited to, a 3-axis (3 dimensional)accelerometer package, and a 9-DOF (degree of freedom) IMU (InertialMeasurement Unit) containing a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axismagnetometer, and 3-axis gyroscope sensors, to acquire movement andposition calibration data regarding the motion of the EIR terminal. Themechanism to scan bar codes includes but is not limited to opticalscanners and/or image capture devices, such as cameras.

The inclusion of a 3D accelerometer suite in a hand-held RFID scanner,such as an EIR terminal, in an embodiment of the present invention,enables the device to perform a variety of functions to assist ininventory control, including but not limited to establishing acalibrated reference point, acquire scan trace motion data, and map themotion of the EIR terminal to the physical structure image in order todisplay the scan trace.

In addition to the 3D accelerometer suite, in an embodiment of thepresent invention, a 3-axis magnetometer is integrated into an EIRterminal. The magnetometer, which acts in part as a compass, isintegrated into the software of the EIR terminal and executed on aprocessor in the EIR terminal. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the magnetometer is integrated as a hardware component. Themagnetometer tracks the movement of the EIR terminal, in threedimensions, through space by collecting data regarding the changes inthe magnetic field around the EIR terminal. Thus, together with theaccelerometer package, the magnetometer is also involved in determiningboth the motion and the orientation of the EIR terminal.

A 3-axis gyroscope sensor is integrated into an embodiment of thepresent invention. The gyroscope aids the 3D accelerometer indetermining motion and orientation because the gyroscope allows thecalculation of orientation and rotation. This addition of the gyroscopesensor provides a more accurate recognition of movement within a 3Dspace than the lone accelerometer package.

An embodiment of the present invention employs an integrated 3-axisaccelerometer suite, 3-axis magnetometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope sensor.Together, these components provide data regarding the location of theEIR terminal while moving through space.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an integrated 3-axisaccelerometer suite, 3-axis magnetometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope sensorare employed to provide data regarding both the location and theorientation of the EIR terminal as it moves through space.

An embodiment of the present invention utilizes a custom bar codingscheme for physical structures. Each custom bar code is encoded withdata that describes the physical structure (e.g., display and/or storagemechanism) used to display and/or store inventory, including but notlimited to a reference identifier, the dimensions of the physical space,number of shelves, display surfaces, and/or hanging racks on eachphysical structure.

An embodiment of the present invention utilizes an RFID-tagging schemefor physical structures. In this embodiment, each custom RFID tagcontains data that describes the physical structure (e.g., displayand/or storage mechanism) used to display and/or store inventory,including but not limited to a reference identifier, the dimensions ofthe physical space, number of shelves, display surfaces, and/or hangingracks on each physical structure.

As aforementioned, data describing the physical structure encoded ineither a custom bar code and/or on an RFID tag may provide the fulldimensional data for a physical structure, or may provide a referencethat can be used by the EIR terminal via a communication connection toobtain the full information from a data source. In an embodiment of thepresent invention that utilizes a database or group of databases,including but not limited to one or more remote databases or one or morelocal databases, to retrieve the dimensions of a given physicalstructure, the records stored in the one or more databases are indexedby the decoded values of images of decodable indicia scanned by a barcode reader and/or signals from an RFID receiver/reader in the EIRterminal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the bar code scanningcapability of the EIR terminal and/or the RFID reading capability of theEIR terminal is utilized to scan a custom bar code or RFID tag affixedto the physical structure. The EIR terminal, upon decoding the data inthe bar code and/or reading the data on the RFID tag, queries a databaseto obtain additional information about the physical structure that theencoded data represents.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a “scan and tap” method isutilized to map the location of at least one object in three dimensionalspace, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space. When anEIR terminal scans a signal of decodable indicia, such as a bar code orRFID tag, this EIR terminal reads the coordinates of the signal sourcein the local reference frame. By tapping the EIR terminal, the resultantspike in the accelerometer data is used to set the initial pointcoordinates (x0, y0. z0) and store these coordinates in a memory,including but not limited to, a memory resource in the EIR terminalitself, or an external resource accessible to the EIR terminal via acommunications connection. In the reference frame of the EIR terminal,the coordinates are set to (0,0,0). Thus, as the EIR terminal movesthrough three-dimensional space, motion with respect to the EIRterminal's own (0,0,0) can be mapped to the local reference frame usingthe initial point coordinates (x0, y0, z0). In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the local reference frame is aligned with respect tothe physical structure.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the EIR terminalintegrated with an IMU (containing a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axismagnetometer, and 3-axis gyroscope sensors) is utilized to record boththe location of the EIR terminal in three dimensional space and recordthe initial point coordinates, the IMU also assists the EIR terminal indetermining the orientation of the EIR terminal, both during the “tap”and as it moves through space. The orientation of the EIR terminaldescribes the position of the EIR terminal itself. For example, an EIRterminal can be at a given location, for example (x0,y0,z0) but theorientation of the EIR terminal at this location may vary. The EIRterminal may be held perfectly upright at this location and that is oneorientation, but the EIR terminal may also be held at an angle relativeto any direction in three dimensional space. This angle would representa different orientation. In this embodiment, the “tap” and when the EIRterminal in moved relative to the initial point, both the location ofthe EIR terminal and the orientation of the terminal are stored in aresource, including but not limited to an internal resource in the EIRterminal and/or an external memory resource accessible to the EIRterminal via a communications connection.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toutilizing a customized barcode and/or RFID tag scheme, and an EIRterminal to calibrate an inventory management system, many othervariations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled inthe art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of and aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a technical architecture of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a workflow of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a-5 b depicts embodiments of an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a-6 f depict various embodiments of an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7 a-7 b depict various embodiments of an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8 a-8 b depicts an embodiment of an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 depicts a workflow of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 a-10 b depict various embodiments of an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 a-11 b depicts an embodiment of an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 depicts a computer program product incorporating one or moreaspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present system and method provides foundational data to a display ascan trace on an EIR terminal with an RFID reading device by augmentinga scanner that captures and decodes signals of decodable indicia,including bar codes and RFID tags, with a motion sensing “package”,including but not limited to a 3-axis (3 dimensional) accelerometer(i.e., at least three accelerometers configured to measure the properacceleration values of the EIR terminal along three mutuallyperpendicular axes), and/or a 9-DOF IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)(containing a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and 3-axisgyroscope sensors).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/359,005, filed Jan. 26, 2012 andcommonly assigned, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, describes and claims an EIR terminal configured to read RFIDtags and display a scan trace, thus providing the terminal's operatorwith a visual feedback with respect to the scanning progress. Theterminal relies upon certain information when creating the visualfeedback, this information includes, but is not limited to, the physicalcharacteristics of a physical structure used to store or displayinventory, the movement and orientation of the EIR terminal relative tothe physical structure, establishing an initial point of movement, andmapping the movement and orientation of the EIR terminal relative to thephysical structure to the GUI display.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the motion of the EIRterminal is sensed by a 3-axis accelerometer package. Bringing the EIRterminal into a mechanical contact with a stationary object results in adistinctive spike in the data returned by the 3-axis accelerometerpackage, due to the sudden change in acceleration and velocity to zero.At the point of contact, the initial distance between the EIR terminaland the stationary object is defined to be zero. The initial distancesof the EIR terminal along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis in the localreference frame are set to the values determined by the custom barcodeand/or RFID tag that was scanned immediately prior to the occurrence ofmechanical contact between the EIR terminal and the physical structure.

The 3-axis accelerometer package acquires movement and initial positioncalibration data for the EIR terminal. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, initial calibration data may be obtained directly from thecustom barcode and/or RFID tag, or indirectly from a local or remotedatabase using information on the custom barcode and/or RFID tag toaccess the appropriate entry in the database.

Data from the 3-axis accelerometer sensors can be used to determine thevelocity and distance of motion at each point in time. Moving theaccelerometer package enables only the “relative” motion of the packageto be determined, with respect to the initial set of coordinates. Thesystem and method of the present invention enables data from theaccelerometer to be combined with the initial coordinates and dimensionsof a selected physical structure, then mapped onto a GUI to display ascan path overlay on a depiction of a selected physical structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, where the EIR terminal isadditionally augmented with a 3-axis magnetometer sensors and/or a3-axis gyroscope sensors, the data gathered by these components(integrated as hardware and/or software) augments the accelerometer datafor sensing movement. Although the accelerometer alone is used duringthe “tap” procedure, which is discussed later, during the subsequentmovements of the EIR terminal, data accumulated by the 3-axismagnetometer and/or the 3-axis gyroscope, with the 3-axis accelerometer,measure the motion and the orientation of the EIR terminal throughspace. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention thatincludes one or both of a 3-axis magnetometer and/or a 3-axis gyroscope,the data accumulated by these components is used as part of thecomputations to remove gravity effects from the 3-axis accelerometerdata. In an embodiment of the present invention, the 3-axis magnetometersensors and/or a 3-axis gyroscope sensors record data representing theorientation of the EIR terminal in space.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a user scans a custom barcode and/or an RFID tag on a physical structure and then “taps” the EIRterminal on that bar code or tag, to create an initial set ofcoordinates in the frame of reference of the physical structure formapping subsequent movement of the EIR terminal. Thus, the X-, Y- andZ-axes are defined with respect to a physical structure. For example,when mapping a rectangular physical structure, the X-axis can representthe left-right dimensions of the physical structure, the Y-axis canrepresent the up-down dimensions, and Z-axis can represent the in-outdimensions (i.e., the perpendicular distance between the EIR terminaland the physical structure). This frame of reference includes the EIRterminal, following the calibration step of “tapping” the EIR terminalon the custom bar code and/or RFID tag affixed to the physicalstructure. If the EIR terminal is not calibrated by “tapping,” the EIRterminal will only provide a relative movement data to the GUI on theEIR terminal. By “tapping” the EIR terminal at the location of thecustom bar code and/or RFID tag, the EIR terminal is mapped to a knownlocation in the “local frame of reference” used by the physicalstructure. As a result, subsequent motion reporting from theaccelerometer package may be interpreted as motion in the “local frameof reference” and can therefore be overlaid on the physical structureimage by the GUI display.

In addition to defining the location of the initial point and subsequentpoints, in an embodiment of the present invention, the orientation ofthe EIR terminal in three dimensional space is also defined. As the EIRterminal moves through space, the orientation is recorded by the EIRterminal; it is calculated using data from an IMU. As described earlier,while the location of the EIR terminal can be represented relative to anX, Y, and Z axis, as depicted in FIG. 1, an EIR terminal 110 at aspecific location, at given coordinates, can have a variety of differentorientations. For example, the EIR terminal 110 can be heldperpendicular to the Y-axis in FIG. 1, at a 75 degree angle relative tothe Y-axis, or at various orientations relative to the remainder of theaxes in FIG. 1. The orientation of the EIR terminal in three dimensionalspace coupled with the location provides the EIR terminal with moreinformation to describe and map its movement.

As explained later in greater detail, the “scan and tap” method isutilized to map the location of at least one object in three dimensionalspace, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space. The scanand tap procedures establish an initial point of the EIR terminal in thelocal reference frame. In the “scan” portion, an EIR terminal scans asignal of decodable indicia, such as a bar code or RFID tag, and thisEIR terminal reads the coordinates of the signal in the local referenceframe. During the “tap,” i.e., tapping the EIR terminal at the locationof the signal of decodable indicia, the resultant spike in theaccelerometer data is used to set the EIR terminal initial pointcoordinates (x0, y0. z0). In the EIR terminal reference frame, thecoordinates are set to (0,0,0). Thus, as the EIR terminal moves throughthree-dimensional space, motion with respect to the EIR terminal's own(0,0,0), motion of the EIR terminal can be mapped to the local referenceframe using the initial point coordinates (x0, y0, z0).

FIG. 1 depicts an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Theaspect depicted in FIG. 1 will be discussed in greater detail in furtherillustrations. In FIG. 1, the EIR terminal 110 is used to read the barcode 120 and then the EIR terminal 110 is tapped (physical contact ismade) to the location of the bar code 120 on the physical structure 130.Further embodiments of the present invention employ an RFID tag insteadof or in addition to a bar code. The location of the bar code 120becomes the initial point, and is represented by the physicalcoordinates at which the bar code 120 is affixed to the physicalstructure 130. In the EIR terminal reference frame, the Z-axiscoordinate is 0 at the initial point because the initial distancebetween the EIR terminal and the stationary object is defined to bezero; the initial point is established when the EIR terminal is incontact with the custom bar code and/or RFID tag. The initial distancesalong the X-axis and Y-axis are set to the values determined by thecustom barcode and/or RFID tag that was scanned immediately prior to theoccurrence of mechanical contact between the EIR terminal and thephysical structure. Once the initial point coordinates are established,the EIR terminal can trace the movement relative to the physicalstructure in a local frame of reference. The wavy line 140 representsthe traced movement of the EIR terminal.

Referring to FIG. 2, a technical architecture 200 of an embodiment ofthe present invention includes a hand-held EIR terminal 210 and adatabase 260, accessible to the EIR terminal 210 via a wireless networkconnection 250. The hand-held EIR terminal 210 includes an RFID scanner220, a graphical user interface (GUI) 230, a mechanism for scanningimages of decodable indicia 240, such as bar codes, and is augmentedwith at least a 3-axis (3 dimensional) accelerometer package 270.

Another embodiment of the present invention employs neither a wirelessnetwork connection 250 or a database 260. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,the wireless network connection 250 and the database 260 provideinformation about a physical structure to the EIR terminal 210. However,in other embodiments of the present invention, this data can also bestored in a custom bar code or RFID tag that is scanned by the EIRterminal,

Bar codes are graphical representations of data, images of decodableindicia, the most common of which are referred to as one dimensional(1D) and two dimensional (2D) bar codes. 1D bar codes are images thatrepresents data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines. 2Dbar codes are also images that represent data, but in addition to theparallel lines, or bars, a 2D bar code may contain rectangles, dots,hexagons and other geometric patterns in two dimensions. A commonexample of a 2D bar code is a Quick Response (QR) code. QR codes consistof black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. Thedata encoded in bar codes are interpreted by optical scanners and/orsoftware.

The mechanism for scanning images of decodable indicia 240 in FIG. 2 isan optical scanner. However, further embodiments of the presentinvention include a camera and supporting decoding software, run eitheron a processor on or coupled to the EIR terminal 210, or at a remoteprocessing resource, in a client-server or application service providerconfiguration.

Referring the FIG. 2, the system and method of the present invention isexplained in reference to this technical architecture. In theexplanation of the system and method, each time a bar code and/or thescanning of a bar code on a physical structure is referenced, one ofskill in the art will recognize that this description also relates tothe use of an RFID tag in addition to and/or in place of the bar code,and the scanning of the RFID tag in addition to and/or in place of thescanning of the bar code. The bar code is discussed in reference to FIG.2 to aid in comprehension and in no way should be interpreted to limitthe scope of the system and method disclosed.

Referring to FIG. 2, database 260 is depicted as a database residing ona single computer at a location remote from the EIR terminal 210.However, in further embodiments of the present invention, thefunctionality of database 260 is embodied by a local data storageresource within the EIR terminal 210. Those of skill in the art willrecognize that the functionality of database 260 can be split over anumber of physical locations and/or computers.

A “computer” herein shall refer to a programmable device for dataprocessing and control, including a central processing unit (CPU), amemory, and at least one communication interface. For example, in oneembodiment, a computer can be provided by a server running a singleinstance of a multi-tasking operating system. In an embodiment of FIG.2, the accelerometer package 270 of FIG. 2 is an embedded computer inwhich there is a single instance of a single-threaded operating system.

In another embodiment, a computer can be provided by a virtual server,i.e., an isolated instance of a guest operating system running within ahost operating system and accessed via a network connection. A “network”herein shall refer to a set of hardware and software componentsimplementing a plurality of communication channels between two or morecomputers. Such communication channels may be implemented by eitherwired or wireless physical links. A network can be provided, e.g., by alocal area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN). While differentnetworks can be designated herein, it is recognized that a singlenetwork as seen from the application layer interface to the networklayer of the OSI model can comprise a plurality of lower layer networks,i.e., what can be regarded as a single Internet Protocol network, caninclude a plurality of different physical networks.

Using the EIR terminal 210, in communication with the database 260, themechanism for scanning images of decodable indicia 240 is used to scan abar code affixed to the physical structure at a known set ofcoordinates, an initial point. The data encoded in the bar code isdecoded and used by the EIR terminal 210 to query the database 260, toretrieve descriptive information about the physical structure, includingat least the physical dimensions of the physical structure.

This initial point provided by the bar code and/or RFID tag isrepresented by the physical coordinates at which the bar code is affixedto the physical structure. The initial point maps the reference frame ofthe accelerometer package to the “local reference frame” of the physicalstructure. For example, if the bar code and/or RFID tag is affixed to agiven physical structure on the left side, 30 inches above the floor,then the initial point coordinates=(0, 30, 0) with units of “inches”. Atthis initial point, X=0 (i.e. far left edge of physical structure), Y=30(inches above the floor), and Z=0 (touching the front plane of thephysical structure). The Z-axis coordinate is 0 at the initial pointbecause the initial distance between the EIR terminal and the stationaryobject is defined to be zero; the initial point is established when theEIR terminal is in contact with the custom bar code and/or RFID tag. Theinitial distances along the X-axis and Y-axis are set to the valuesdetermined by the custom barcode and/or RFID tag that was scannedimmediately prior to the occurrence of mechanical contact between theEIR terminal and the physical structure.

In addition to determining the location of the EIR terminal 210, theaccelerometer package 270 can also assist in a determination of theorientation of the EIR terminal 210 at the initial point (and duringlater movements) in three dimensional space.

After the initial point is acquired, if the RFID scanner 220 in the EIRterminal 210 is used to scan for RFID tags affixed to items of inventoryon the physical structure, the EIR terminal can trace the movementrelative to the physical structure in a “local” frame of reference. Thisprocess is described in greater detail in FIG. 4.

In a another embodiment of the present invention, the data encoded inthe bar code is decoded and used by the EIR terminal 210 to query alocal resource, such as a database within the EIR terminal 210 (notshown), to retrieve descriptive information about the physicalstructure, including at least the coordinates of the bar code and/orRFID tag mounting location on the physical structure, and the physicaldimensions of the physical structure. After this information has beenacquired by the EIR terminal 210, the location of the bar code becomesthe initial point. Then, if the RFID scanner 220 in the EIR terminal 210is moved in three dimensional space the EIR terminal can trace themovement relative to the physical structure in a “local” frame ofreference.

In a another embodiment of the present invention, the data encoded inthe bar code is decoded by the EIR terminal 210 and the decoded datacontains descriptive information about the physical structure, includingat least the coordinates of the bar code and/or RFID tag mountinglocation on the physical structure, and the physical dimensions of thephysical structure. After this information has been acquired by the EIRterminal 210, the location of the bar code is used as the initial point.Then, if the RFID scanner 220 in the EIR terminal 210 is moved in threedimensional space, the EIR terminal can trace the movement relative tothe physical structure in a “local” frame of reference.

As discussed earlier, some embodiments of the present invention utilizeRFID tags to supply data relating to the dimensions of physicalstructures and coordinates of the RFID tag on the physical structure inthe same manner as the use of bar codes is discussed in reference toFIG. 2.

A component-level diagram of an embodiment of the EIR terminal 210 isdescribed with references to FIG. 3. The EIR terminal 210 can compriseat least one microprocessor 310 and a memory 320, both coupled to thesystem bus 370. The microprocessor 310 can be provided by a generalpurpose microprocessor or by a specialized microprocessor (e.g., anASIC). In one embodiment, EIR terminal 210 can comprise a singlemicroprocessor which can be referred to as a central processing unit(CPU). In another embodiment, EIR terminal 210 can comprise two or moremicroprocessors, for example, a CPU providing some or most of the EIRterminal functionality and a specialized microprocessor performing somespecific functionality. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact thatother schemes of processing tasks distribution among two or moremicroprocessors are within the scope of this disclosure.

EIR terminal 210 can further comprise a communication interface 340communicatively coupled to the system bus 370. In one embodiment, thecommunication interface can be provided by a wired or wirelesscommunication interface. The wired or wireless communication interfacecan be configured to support, for example, but not limited to, thefollowing protocols: at least one protocol of the IEEE 802.3,802.11/802.15/802.16 protocol family, at least one protocol of theHSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE protocol family, TDMA protocol, UMTS protocol, LTEprotocol, and/or at least one protocol of the CDMA/1×EV-DO protocolfamily.

EIR terminal 210 can further comprise a battery 356. In one embodiment,the battery 356 can be provided by a replaceable rechargeable batterypack. The EIR terminal 210 can further comprise a GPS receiver 380. TheEIR terminal 210 can further comprise at least one connector 390configured to receive a subscriber identity module (SIM) card.

The EIR terminal 210 can further comprise an imaging device 330,provided, for example, by a two-dimensional imager.

The EIR terminal 210 can further comprise one or more devices 330, 333configured to decode a signal of decodable indicia, such as a bar codeand/or an RFID tag. In one embodiment, a bar code scanner 333, such asan optical scanning device, can be configured to scan a bar codecontaining an encoded message and to output raw message data containingthe encoded message. In another embodiment, the RFID reading device 330can be configured to read a memory of an RFID tag containing an encodedmessage and to output decoded message data corresponding to the encodedmessage. As used herein, “message” is intended to denote a bit sequenceor a character string comprising alphanumeric and/or non-alphanumericcharacters. An encoded message can be used to convey information, suchas identification of the source and the model of an item, for example,in an EPC code.

Although devices 330, 333 are depicted in FIG. 3 in a single entity, oneof skill in the art will recognize that in further embodiments of an EIRterminal 210 of the present invention could include devices that are notgrouped together to handle imaging and reading RFID tags. The EIRterminal 210 of FIG. 3 is offered merely as an sample architecture.

In one embodiment, the EIR terminal 210 can further comprise a graphicaluser interface including a display adapter 175 and a keyboard 179. Inone embodiment, the EIR terminal 210 can further comprise an audiooutput device, e.g., a speaker 181.

The keyboard 179 can be a full QWERTY keyboard and/or limited inputsthat start and stop various activities, including, but not limited toscanning a bar code, scanning an RFID tag, initiating and stopping thecollection of data from an accelerometer package. The keyboard 179 maybe implemented as a touchscreen, discrete keys, or other methods, whichin no way limit the scope of the invention.

EIR terminals include, but are not limited to cellular telephones, smartphones, PDAs, and/or other portable computing device that is capable ofreading RFID tags and/or scanning bar codes.

FIG. 4 depicts of a workflow 400 of an embodiment of the presentinvention accomplished utilizing the technical architecture of FIG. 2.This workflow 400 depicts the system and method of acquiring data to mapthe location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relativeto an initial point in three dimensional space. In this workflow 400,the EIR terminal 210 acquires the information necessary to providevisual feedback to the user via the GUI 230 that provides the user withrelative positioning data of the EIR terminal 210 in a local frameworkrelative to a physical structure.

First, the mechanism for scanning images of decodable indicia 240 in theEIR terminal 210 is used to scan a custom bar code (S410). Encoded inthis custom bar code is data describing a physical structure upon whichinventory to be tracked may be exhibited. Provided that the bar code isunique, and/or unique for each physical structure type, additionalinformation about the physical structure can be retrieved from thedatabase 260 using an identifier encoded in the bar code, as the barcode is a primary key or the database is indexed by information decodedfrom the bar code.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are examples of custom bar codes utilized by differentembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 a is an example of a custombar code utilized by the embodiment of FIG. 2. In FIG. 5 a, the bar codecontains at least a partial description of a physical structure. Thispartial description is sufficient for database lookup of the coordinatesof the bar code and/or RFID tag mounting location on the physicalstructure, the physical dimensions of the physical structure, shelfcounts, etc. The retrieved coordinates are used by the EIR terminal asan initial point. Although a partial bar code is physically smaller, toutilize the full descriptive information, the EIR terminal 210, mayemploy a communications connection, such as a wireless networkconnection 250, to execute a lookup in a remote database 260, or the EIRterminal 210 may query a local database.

In FIG. 5 b, the bar code contains at least a partial description of aphysical structure, including but not limited to, an identifier andphysical dimensions of the physical structure and the location on thephysical structure where the bar code is affixed. The location of thisbar code is used by the EIR terminal as the initial point. The dataencoded in FIG. 5 b is not supplemented via a database lookup.

FIGS. 6 a-6 f depict various physical structures whose descriptions canbe encoded into custom bar codes that are scanned and decoded by the EIRterminal 210. In another embodiment of the present invention, keys areencoded in the bar codes and physical structure information coordinatingwith each bar code is retrieved from the database 260 upon decoding eachbar code.

FIGS. 6 a-6 f are examples of physical structures that are commonlyfound in retail environments and are not meant to limit the data contentof the custom bar codes utilized in this embodiment of the system andmethod as a whole. One of skill in the art will recognize thatdescriptive data for a variety of physical structures can be encodedinto custom bar codes in a manner similar to that described in referenceto the physical structures in FIGS. 6 a-6 f.

Referring to FIGS. 6 a-6 f, custom bar codes describing these physicalstructures and inventory configurations specify both the number ofphysical structure surfaces, including but not limited to, the number ofphysical structure surfaces, e.g., shelves and/or bars, and the numberof stacks per physical structure surface. For example, a custom bar codedescribing FIG. 6 a describes the 3 shelves as well as the 4 stacks ofinventory, in this case clothing, per shelf. In FIG. 6 b, the custom barcode describes 4 shelves and 2 stacks per shelf. In FIG. 6 c, the custombar code describes 3 shelves and 4 stacks per shelf. In FIG. 6 d, thecustom bar code describes 1 shelf and 1 stack per shelf. The custom barcode describing FIG. 6 e describes 2 bars and a stack per bar. For FIG.6 f, the custom bar code describes 1 bar/shelf and a stack per shelf.

As discussed in reference to FIG. 2, the custom bar code may contain allthe descriptive information or it may be a key to looking up the fullinformation in a local or remote data source.

The custom bar codes associated with the various physical structures areplaced on these physical structures. The physical location of eachcustom bar code on a given physical structure becomes a location that isused in mapping. The bar code location on the physical structure matchesthe initial point coordinates; it is obtained either directly from thebar code, or indirectly from a database, like in FIGS. 2 and 4.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b depict two physical structures with their associatedcustom bar codes affixed to a given location on each physical structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the location of each bar codeon each physical structure matches the coordinates obtained from eitherthe bar code itself, from a local database that is queried with theinformation encoded in the bar code, or from a remote database, that isqueried with information encoded in the bar code. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, the bar code is located on the left side of thelowest shelf of the physical structure, as seen in FIGS. 7 a-7 b.

For simplicity, physical structures scanned utilizing the system andmethod disclosed each have only a single bar code with full or partialdata. For very large, i.e., wide, physical structures, additional barcodes may enable a more efficient workflow for an EIR terminal operator,as illustrated by FIGS. 11 a and 11 b.

Returning to FIG. 4, after utilizing the mechanism for scanning imagesof decodable indicia 240 in the EIR terminal 210 to scan a custom barcode (S410), the data is decoded (S420) using program code executed on aprocessor within the EIR terminal 210, or using program code on aresource accessible to the EIR terminal 210, in a client-server-typeconfiguration.

The program code for execution can be stored either on a resource orresources internal to the EIR terminal 210, on a resource or resourcesaccessible to the EIR terminal 210, but external, or on a combination ofboth internal and external resources.

Once decoded, the decoded data is used to query the database 260 overthe wireless network connection 250 to retrieve additional informationabout the physical structure, including but not limited to, the numberof physical shelves/bars, as well as the dimensions of the physicalstructure, which are stored in the database 260, which in thisembodiment, is indexed by bar code (S430). The wireless networkconnection 250 is not limited to this specific communications connectionand can include other communications connections, including an intranetconnection and an internet connection. At least some of the informationthat is retrieved is displayed in the GUI 230 (S440).

Although the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a database lookup S430, thisstep is optional as further embodiments of the present invention do notcontain this step. To symbolize the optional nature of this step, thebox in the workflow 400 is depicted as a broken line.

In another embodiment of the present invention (not pictured), themechanism for scanning images of decodable indicia 240 in the EIRterminal 210 is used to scan a custom bar code, and encoded in the barcode itself is data describing the physical structure. Like in FIG. 4,at least some of this data is displayed in the GUI 230 (S440) for userverification.

In another embodiment of the present invention (not pictured), themechanism for scanning images of decodable indicia 240 in the EIRterminal 210 is used to scan a custom bar code, and data describing thephysical structure is retrieved by the EIR terminal 210 from a storageresource that is local to the EIR terminal 210. Like in FIG. 4, at leastsome of this data is displayed in the GUI 230 for user verification.FIG. 5 b is an example of a custom bar code that can be utilized byembodiments of the present invention that do not supplement the scannedbar code data with descriptive data from local and/or remote resources.The bar code of FIG. 5 b includes complete descriptive information aboutthe physical structure. Upon decoding this bar code, the descriptiveinformation used by the system and method is available, and at leastsome of this data is displayed on the GUI.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the database also stores thephysical location of the custom bar code on the physical structure. Inembodiments where this information is stored, the location of the custombar code can be displayed on the GUI 230 to guide the user of the EIRterminal 210 during calibration and/or re-calibration activities.

The information displayed in the GUI 230 includes, but is not limitedto, the type of physical structure (numbers of shelves/bars), and thelocation of the custom bar code on the physical structure. The user canverify the displayed information using the GUI (S450). In embodiments ofthe present invention, the GUI 230 renders this information as one ormore images, descriptive text, and/or a combination of image(s) andtext. If the information in the GUI is incorrect in that it is notrepresentative of the physical structure with the custom bar code thatwas scanned, the user can re-scan the bar code on the physical structure(S410).

In an embodiment of the present invention, to complete calibration ofthe physical structure with the scanned custom bar code, the EIRterminal 210 is “tapped” on the custom bar code (S460). To “tap,” theuser follows the red laser light of the bar code scanner 240 to the barcode and touches the bar code scanner 240 to the printed bar code on thephysical structure. In another embodiment of the present invention, thetap can be accomplished without the use of the laser guide. In thisembodiment, the user performs a mechanical tap at a predeterminedlocation, i.e., the location of the custom bar code.

This “tap” creates a spike in the accelerometer data. This spike isdetected by the 3D accelerometer package 270 in the EIR terminal 210(S470). Upon detection, the EIR terminal stores the coordinates as aninitial point (S480) in the local reference frame (x0, y0, z0). In theEIR terminal reference frame, the current coordinates are set to(0,0,0). Thus, as the EIR terminal 210 (and therefore the accelerometerpackage 270) moves, the motion data with respect to the (0,0,0)coordinates can be mapped to the local reference frame using the initialpoint coordinates (x0,y0,z0). In another embodiment of the presentinvention, instead of scanning a bar code before “tapping,” the RFIDscanner 220 in the EIR terminal 210 can be utilized to read an RFID tagaffixed to a designated location on a physical structure. In thisembodiment, the location of this RFID tag is “tapped” to set the initialpoint coordinates.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the “spike” in theaccelerometer data can be used to determine the orientation of the EIRterminal relative to the physical structure. In this embodiment, theinitial orientation data is used to establish the initial orientation ofthe EIR terminal, and align the EIR terminal frame of reference with thelocal frame of reference relative to the physical structure. In anembodiment of the EIR terminal that includes 3-axis magnetometers, and3-axis gyroscopes, these devices assist in determining the orientationof the physical structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the local reference frame(real) coordinates of the location of a bar code or RFID tag on aphysical structure can be included in the encoded data within the barcode or RFID tag. In this embodiment, when the EIR terminal scans thebar code or RFID tag, it acquires the (x0,y0,z0) coordinates in thelocal reference frame. As aforementioned, in another embodiment of thepresent invention, the local reference frame coordinates can also bestored in a resource either external or internal to the EIR terminal. Inthis embodiment, the RFID tag or custom bar code affixed to the physicalstructure contains sufficient data to query the resource for additionalinformation, including the coordinates of the scanned bar code or RFIDtag.

In this workflow 400, in the “scan” portion S410, an EIR terminal scansa signal of decodable indicia, such as a bar code or RFID tag, and thisEIR terminal reads the coordinates of the signal in the local referenceframe. During the “tap,” S460, i.e., tapping the EIR terminal at thelocation of the signal of decodable indicia, the resultant spike in theaccelerometer data causes the initial point coordinates (x0, y0, z0) tobe stored S480. In the local reference frame, the coordinates are set to(x0y,0,z0). Thus, as the EIR terminal moves through three-dimensionalspace, motion with respect to the EIR terminal's own (0,0,0) can bemapped to the local reference frame using the initial point coordinates(x0, y0, z0).

After the “scan” and “tap” steps are complete, the 3D accelerometerpackage 270 in the EIR terminal 210 can be used to begin real-timelocation tracking of the EIR terminal's position (S490) because the EIRterminal reference frame has been mapped to the local reference frame.The scan path of the EIR terminal 210 is mapped using the 3Daccelerometer package 270, which outputs data used to map the path ofthe EIR terminal relative to the location of the initial point (x0, y0,z0). As the user moves the RFID scanner 220 through three dimensionalspace to, for example, read RFID tags, the collected accelerometer datais used to track the movement. Movement is measured by the 3-axisaccelerometer package 270 in “real” units of RFID scanner 220 movement,which must be “mapped” appropriately to the initial point and scaled fordisplay by the GUI 230. Data is collected from the accelerometer packageduring movement (S491).

In embodiments of the present invention that utilize eitheraccelerometer package 270 or IMU-based location tracking, there is afinite period of time during which the IMU data has adequate accuracy.This time period begins at the “tap” (S460), and ends when a pre-definederror tolerance is exceeded.

As location data is collected (S491), the EIR terminal checks whetherthe noise level in the collected data is approaching the noise threshold(S492). If the noise level is below the threshold, the data collectioncontinues (S491) until the data noise approaches the threshold.

In an embodiment of the present invention that additionally collectsdata regarding the orientation of the EIR terminal, this data can alsocontribute to the noise threshold.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the data noise levelapproaches the threshold and the motion tracking is about to end and/orwhen the actual tracking has ceased, the user is notified via an audibleand/or visible signal. First, the EIR terminal will deliver an audibleand/or visual warning that the motion tracking is about to end (S493).If the conditional test for error tolerance reveals that the tolerancehas been exceeded (S494), the EIR terminal delivers an audible and/orvisual notification (S495). Should a user who receives the “end oftracking” notification desire to resume motion tracking, the user canrepeat the scan and tap processes with the EIR terminal 210 (S410).

FIGS. 8 a-8 b depict relative locations of the EIR terminal computedfrom data output by the 3-axis accelerometer 270 in the EIR terminal 210at various positions relative to the custom bar code, where the EIRterminal 210 was tapped. The front view of the physical structure 510and a side view 520 of the same physical structure are both representedin FIG. 8. The arrows indicate the directions of the X, Y and Z axes inthe local reference frame. These axes provide a basis for measurementwith respect to the physical structure to be scanned. In an embodimentof the present invention, the IMU uses its own reference frame whenreporting motion data.

The positioning is not to scale in FIG. 8 and is meant to impart arelative understanding of some general concepts related to the systemand method.

Depicted in both FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b is the position (x0, y0, z0).These coordinates in the local reference frame are used to map the EIRterminal's own coordinates to (0,0,0) in its reference frame followingthe “tap” step S470.

For example, if the initial point coordinates=(1,2,0), and the EIRterminal (the IMU in the terminal) moves 1 unit of measure to the right(along the X-axis) after the “tap,” then the IMU is at(0,0,0)+(1,0,0)=(1,0,0) in the reference frame of the EIR terminal andthis is mapped to (x0, y0, z0)+(1,0,0)=(x0+1, y0, z0) in the localreference frame. Thus, given an initial point of (1,2,0) the localreference frame coordinates of the EIR terminal would be(1,2,0)+(1,0,0)=(2,2,0).

Position A in FIGS. 8 a-8 b indicates the coordinates of (2,3,2),meaning that the EIR terminal motion passed through this point in 3Dspace, at +2 units on the x-axis, +3 units on the y-axis, and +2 unitson the z-axis relative to the location of the custom bar code at(x0,y0,z0) in the local reference frame. In the EIR terminal referenceframe, the position would be (0,0,0)+(2,3,2)=(2,3,2). In the localreference frame, the position would be (x0, y0, z0)+(2,3,2)=(x0+2, y0+3,z0+2). Position B, with coordinates (5, 5, 5) is +5 units away from(x0,y0,z0) in the local reference frame. Thus, in the local referenceframe, with an initial point at (1,2,0) the Position A would be (x0, y0,z0)+(5,5,5)=(1,2,0)+(2,3,2)=(3,5,2). In the local reference frame, thePosition B would be (x0, y0, z0)+(5,5,5)=(1,2,0)+(5,5,5)=(6,7,5).

In the event of inherent accelerometer noise exceeding a presetthreshold, the GUI 230 prompts the user to re-calibrate, re-read thebarcode with the scanning mechanism 240 and re-tap the RFID scanner 220(S410). In one embodiment of the present invention, the prompt is anaudible cue, rather than a visual cue. The audible and visual cue (inthe GUI 230), are combined in another embodiment of the presentinvention.

Calibration of the EIR terminal 210 can be helpful during inventoryscanning to increase speed and accuracy. FIG. 9 depicts a workflow 900of an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. This workflow900 is described with reference to the technical architecture of the EIRterminal of FIG. 2. When data is available to the GUI 230 to render avisual display of one or more scan paths, the data is useful indetermining that a scan path is complete, i.e., has read the inventorytags on the physical structure.

The term bar code is used throughout the description of the workflow ofFIG. 9 to describe an signal of decodable indicia. One of skill in theart will recognize that RFID tags can be substituted for bar codesthroughout this workflow. The EIR terminal would be utilized to read(scan) these RFID tags instead of scanning the custom bar code(s).

In an embodiment of the present invention, a user reviews a recordedscan path on the GUI 230 to determine if all RFID tag locations havebeen scanned (S905). The determination is made utilizing theconfiguration of the physical structure and the physicaldimensions/stack configuration of the physical structure

In this embodiment, in the GUI 230, a first scan line indicates scanpath of first or previous pass. The GUI 230 representation of this firstscan path, the first scan line, is represented by FIG. 10 a as Scan Line1. In FIG. 10 a, the Scan Line 1 indicates the path of the EIR terminal210 relative to a physical structure. As in FIG. 10 a, when userexamination of the GUI 230 determines that some tag locations, i.e.,stacks, have not been scanned, the user repeats the “tap” and “scan”activities so that the movement of the EIR terminal's reference frame isagain mapped to the local reference frame. The bar code or RFID tag isscanned (S910) and the encoded data is decoded (S915). As describedearlier, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention, thedata can be decoded locally, remotely, or the processes can be splitover both remote and local resources. Then, physical structuredescriptive information is retrieved and displayed in the GUI 230(S920). As discussed earlier, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, the physical structure information displayed in the GUI canbe wholly available in the bar-coded data, or a portion of the data canbe available to the barcode, with the remainder being supplemented by alocal and/or remote resource.

When the physical structure data is displayed in the GUI 230, the userverifies that the displayed data represents the physical structure(S925). If the displayed data is not correct, the user re-scans thebarcode and repeats the process (S910). If the user verifies the data,the user then taps the EIR terminal 210 on the custom bar code (S930).

In FIG. 10 a, the custom bar code is located on the lower left of thephysical structure. This “tap” creates a spike in the accelerometerdata. The tapping spike is detected by the 3D (3-axis) accelerometerpackage 270 in the EIR terminal 210 (S935). Upon detection, the(x0,y0,z0) coordinates of the initial point of the “scan path” are setto reflect the physical location of the bar code on the physicalstructure (S940), creating an initial point with coordinates (x0,y0,z0)for use when tracking the movement of the EIR terminal when scanning theRFID tags on the inventory on the physical structure. As discussedearlier, the accelerometer data caused by the “tap” can be used todetermine the initial orientation of the EIR terminal relative to thephysical structure, and align the EIR terminal frame of reference withthe local frame of reference relative to the physical structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the X0 and Y0 locations canbe obtained from the bar code, and Z0 is set to zero. The point ofcontact, the initial distance between the EIR terminal and thestationary object is defined to be zero. The initial distances along theX-axis and Y-axis are set to the values determined by the custom barcodeand/or RFID tag that was scanned immediately prior to the occurrence ofmechanical contact between the EIR terminal and the physical structure.

In FIG. 10 a, the image viewable is a pre-stored image of a physicalstructure that is retrieved from a local or remote storage resource fordisplay in the GUI based on data acquired by scanning a bar code orreading an RFID tag. As discussed, this data can be wholly embedded inthe data in the signal of decodable indicia, or it can be retrieved froma local or remote storage resource using the decoded data from thesignal of decodable indicia.

However, an embodiment of the present invention is also capable ofrendering an image of a physical structure based on the physicaldimensions either embedded in the signal of decodable indicia orretrieved from a remote or local storage resource utilizing the decodeddata from the signal of decodable indicia in the query. The embodimentof FIG. 11 b depicts the same scan trace image as FIG. 11 a, but in FIG.11 b the image of the physical structure was rendered from the physicaldimension data.

With the establishment of this initial point, dimensions of the physicalstructure, movement data from the 3D accelerometer package and the pixeldimensions of the GUI display 230, the EIR terminal movement is mappedfor display on the GUI 230 using a scaling factor (e.g., inches perpixel). The program code's data is calibrated regarding the initialposition of the EIR terminal 210 in the local reference frame of thephysical structure.

After the initial point (x0,y0,z0) coordinates are established on agiven physical structure, the RFID scanner 220 in the EIR terminal 210is used to scan the previously unscanned stacks in reference to FIG. 4,as displayed in the GUI 230 (S945).

As discussed in reference to FIG. 4, in an embodiment of the presentinvention that utilizes either accelerometer package 270 or IMU-basedlocation tracking, the scan path tracking is time-sensitive and endswhen a pre-defined error tolerance is exceeded.

While the EIR terminal moves, data is collected from the accelerometerpackage (S950). The EIR terminal checks whether the data noise level isapproaching the threshold (S955). Thus, in an embodiment with thisfeature, when the real-time tracking is nearing completion, i.e., thedata noise level is approaching the threshold, an alert is soundedand/or displayed by the EIR terminal (S960). When the error tolerance(and therefore the real-time tracking) is exceeded (S965), an alert issounded or displayed (S970) by the EIR terminal and the processterminates unless the scan and tap is repeated (S910).

Whether or not the inventory is scanned, the EIR terminal is moved inspace and new coordinates can be established relative to the (x0,y0,z0)coordinates. In an embodiment of the present invention, the EIR terminal210 provides unique audible feedback when EIR terminal 210 is pointed atpreviously unscanned stack(s). In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the newest scan trace is depicted as Scan Line 2 in FIG. 10b. Referring the FIG. 10 b, the line of the second scan trace is labeledScan Line 2 and the first scan line, also depicted in FIG. 10 a, islabeled Scan Line 1. During the scanning process, the user can referback to GUI 230 for which stacks remain unscanned and repeat calibrationand scanning as needed in order to complete scanning the entire physicalstructure. Further scan paths can be established and displayed inaccordance with the movement of the EIR terminal. The two scan paths inFIGS. 10 a-10 b are examples and are not meant to reflect any limitationin the functionality of the apparatus and method described.

In an embodiment of the present invention, to utilize the EIR terminal210 to scan a stack that was previously unscanned, the user points thescanner, e.g. the red light from a laser scanner, at the unscanned stackand triggers the scanning control. In effect, the user is “checking”this location. Utilizing the previously determined point of original,i.e., the (x0,y0,z0) coordinates, the EIR terminal executes program codeto calculate the position of this supposed unscanned stack in comparisonto the (x0,y0,z0) position to determine whether or not this currentposition, based on its location, was scanned. With this relativepositioning data, the EIR terminal can utilize one or more of currentlocation information, shelf configuration and dimensions, and previousscan path(s), to determine if this indicated stack has been scannedpreviously or should be scanned.

To aid in the efficiency of this system and process, an embodiment ofthe present invention offers indicators, such as sounds and visual cues,when certain activities occur. These activities include but are notlimited to 1) not all stacks of inventory bearing RFID tags have beenscanned but the scanning activity is paused for a given period of time,and 2) not all stacks of inventory bearing RFID tags are scanned but theuser has turned off or released a trigger on the RFID scanner 260 in theEIR terminal 210, 3) the completion of scanning all stacks withinventory bearing RFID tags, 4) the imminent loss of accuracy of 3Daccelerometer data necessary for determining a scan path, and 5)termination of scan path data collection from the 3D accelerometer dueto loss of data accuracy.

In order to minimize the delay caused by needing to re-calibrate due toaccumulated accelerometer error, more than one bar code can be placed oneach physical structure. If more than one bar code is available, theuser can scan and “tap” the closest bar code available whenre-calibration is necessary. The availability of bar codes in more thanone position can save time. Bar codes can alternatively be located onboth left and right side of lowest shelf, rather than just on one side,making a bar code accessible to a user more readily. Efficiency can beimproved by mounting bar codes in ergonomically preferred locations onthe physical structure. However, the system and method of the presentinvention places no constraints on where a bar code can be located.

When more than one bar code is affixed to a physical structure, each barcode is unique, so that the relative distance calculations from each ofthese initial points on the physical structure will be mappedaccurately. Each bar code on the same physical structure would eitherinclude or be used to retrieve data in the database 260 relating to thesame physical structure shelf description, but a different bar codelocation. Although the locations for the bar codes on physicalstructures may vary, to reduce human hours required to scan, placing thebar codes at a height of approximately 30 inches above the floor, aboutwaist-height for a person performing scanning, will make the bar codesquickly accessible to an individual involved in scanning andcalibration. An easily accessible bar code helps diminish errors where auser scans the bar code, but “taps” elsewhere. This error affects theaccelerometer data and reports inaccurate relative distances whenmapping the motion to the GUI 230.

As aforementioned, the EIR terminal 210 is used for scanning bar codesas well as reading RFID tags. The usability of the EIR terminal 210 whenperforming these functions, and the ability to seamlessly alternatebetween these functions when scanning and then tapping, affects theefficiency of the process. The EIR terminal 210 can be configured indifferent manners to increase its usability. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the EIR terminal 210 has an input that initiates boththe RFID scanning and bar code scanning functionality when selected atone time. Inputs include but are not limited to touchscreen, triggers,buttons, and/or keys. The input can be selected by pressing a triggerand/or depressing (or releasing) a button or key. In another embodiment,the user selects an input one time to scan the custom bar code, releasesthe input to confirm the information retrieved from the database 260that appears in the GUI 230, and selects the input a second time toactivate the RFID scanner 220. In this embodiment, the 3-axisaccelerometer package 270 is active constantly from the initial triggeractivation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the RFID reader and the barcode scanner are not active at the same time. First, the bar codescanner is enabled, then turned off following the “tap”, at which timethe RFID reader is enabled and later turned off when either theaccelerometer error grows too large or the stop input ispressed/released.

The presence of a laser scanner as the bar code reading mechanism 240 toscan bar codes in the EIR terminal 210 can assist the user of the EIRterminal 210 in scanning the RFID tags of inventory on a physicalstructure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the laser scannerbar code reading mechanism 240 can double as a laser pointer so the usercan position the EIR terminal 210 in a manner where reading the RFIDtags on a stack is most effective. For example, the user will point thelaser pointer at the inventory stack he or she desires to scan and pulla trigger to initiate reading the RFID tags in the selected stack. Thisfunctionality is particularly relevant when a user scans for stacks thatwere not scanned during previous scan paths. When the user points thelaser pointer at a stack that he/she wants to scan, the EIR terminal 210utilizes the coordinates relative to the established baseline, i.e., thecurrent location, shelf configuration and dimensions, and/or previousscan path(s) data to determine if the indicated stack of inventorybearing RFID tags should be scanned and alert the user with an audibleor visual signal.

Computer-readable code or instructions need not reside on the enumeratedcomputer systems: database 260 and EIR terminal 210 of FIG. 2. Referringto FIG. 12, in one example, a computer program product 1200 includes,for instance, one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media1202 to store computer readable program code means or logic 1204 thereonto provide and facilitate one or more aspects of the present invention.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing an appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage, such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language,assembler or similar programming languages. The program code may executeentirely on one resource of a data processing and storage system, suchas a cloud, partly on various resources, and/or partly on the EIRterminal and partly on one or more resources of the data processing andstorage system.

One or more aspects of the present invention are described herein withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems) and computer program products according toembodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block ofthe flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In addition to the above, one or more aspects of the present inventionmay be provided, offered, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a serviceprovider who offers management of customer environments. For instance,the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc. computer codeand/or a computer infrastructure that performs one or more aspects ofthe present invention for one or more customers. In return, the serviceprovider may receive payment from the customer under a subscriptionand/or fee agreement, as examples. Additionally or alternatively, theservice provider may receive payment from the sale of advertisingcontent to one or more third parties.

In one aspect of the present invention, an application may be deployedfor performing one or more aspects of the present invention. As oneexample, the deploying of an application comprises providing computerinfrastructure operable to perform one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

As a further aspect of the present invention, a computing infrastructuremay be deployed comprising integrating computer readable code into acomputing system, in which the code in combination with the computingsystem is capable of performing one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

As yet a further aspect of the present invention, a process forintegrating computing infrastructure comprising integrating computerreadable code into a computer system may be provided. The computersystem comprises a computer readable medium, in which the computermedium comprises one or more aspects of the present invention. The codein combination with the computer system is capable of performing one ormore aspects of the present invention.

Further, a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executingprogram code is usable that includes at least one processor coupleddirectly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. Thememory elements include, for instance, local memory employed duringactual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memorywhich provide temporary storage of at least some program code in orderto reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storageduring execution.

Input/Output or I/O devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, DASD, tape, CDs, DVDs, thumb drives andother memory media, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directlyor through intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters may also becoupled to the system to enable the data processing system to becomecoupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storagedevices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cablemodems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the available types ofnetwork adapters.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, areintended to include any structure, material, or act for performing thefunction in combination with other claimed elements as specificallyclaimed. The description of the present invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiment with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationswill become apparent to those skilled in the art. As such, it will bereadily evident to one of skill in the art based on the detaileddescription of the presently preferred embodiment of the system andmethod explained herein, that different embodiments can be realized.

1. An apparatus comprising: a scanner that scans a decodable indicialocated on an area of a physical object, resulting in receiving datacomprising information describing the physical object, wherein a pointof origin is set in response to scanning the decodable indicia; a motionsensor configured to detect physical movement of the apparatus; and aprocessor that identifies, responsive to the physical movement of theapparatus, a spatial position of the apparatus that is determinedrelative to the point of origin based on a plurality of values receivedfrom the motion sensor.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a firstorientation of the apparatus is determined at the point of origin, andwherein, responsive to the physical movement of the apparatus and basedon a second plurality of values received from the motion sensor, asecond orientation of the apparatus relative to the first orientation isdetermined.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, responsive to movingthe apparatus through three dimensional space relative to the physicalobject, the processor receives values from the motion sensorrepresenting one of the movement or an orientation of the apparatus inthree dimensional space relative to the point of origin, and wherein thevalues are stored in memory of the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the receiving the data that describes the physical object isreceived from one of: memory of the apparatus or a database external tothe apparatus, and wherein the spatial position of the apparatus isdetermined by one of the apparatus or a computing device external to theapparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acommunication interface, wherein the scanning device is configured todecode the decodable indicia into a decoded message, and to output thedecoded message, wherein the communication interface receives thedecoded message, displays the information describing the physicalobject, and utilizes the decoded message to query a resource thecommunication interface receives a response from the resource, whereinthe received response comprises additional information describing thephysical object, wherein the communication interface displays theadditional information describing the physical object, and wherein theresource is provided by one or more of: a memory and a client.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is provided by at leastthree accelerometers measures proper acceleration values of theapparatus in at least three mutually-perpendicular directions.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is provided by at leastthree accelerometers measures proper acceleration values of theapparatus in at least three mutually-perpendicular directions, whereinthe apparatus determines a change of a spatial position of the apparatusbased on proper acceleration values received from the at least threeaccelerometers; and responsive to the apparatus making mechanicalcontact with the area of the physical object, the point of origin isrepresented by setting the value of the coordinate to zero n each of thethree mutually-perpendicular directions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the motion sensor is provided by a 9 degree of freedom InertialMeasurement Unit, wherein the 9 degree of freedom Inertial MeasurementUnit comprises a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a3-axis gyroscope.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the scanner isprovided by at least one of: an optical scanner, a camera, and an RFIDreader.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a communicationinterface comprising a graphical user interface and a wireless networkconnection that receives the decoded message and the communicationinterface displays the information describing the physical object. 11.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the decodable indicia comprises atleast one of: a 2D bar code, a 3D bar code, an EPC symbol, and an RFIDtag.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the physical object comprisesa physical structure for inventory and wherein the informationdescribing the physical object comprises at least one of: the locationof the signal of decodable indicia on the physical structure, the numberof physical structure surfaces on the physical object, the number ofstacks of inventory on each of the physical structure surfaces, and thephysical dimensions of the physical object.
 13. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the point of origin of the apparatus described by informationin the message at the area of the physical object is stored into memoryis performed in response to responsive to making contact with the areaof the physical object.
 14. A method comprising: scanning a decodableindicia, wherein the decodable indicia is associated with an area of aphysical object; responsive to detecting a communication interfacecommand, storing in memory a first location of an apparatus as a pointof origin; moving through three dimensional space relative to thephysical object; and responsive to moving through three dimensionalspace relative to the physical object, receiving values from a motionsensor representing a location of the apparatus in three dimensionalspace relative to the point of origin.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising: storing in the memory a first orientation of theapparatus at the point of origin; and responsive to moving through threedimensional space relative to the physical object, receiving a secondset of values from the motion sensor representing a second orientationof the apparatus in three dimensional space relative to the firstorientation; and retaining the second orientation.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising: displaying the path of the apparatusthrough three dimensional space with a first scan line in acommunication interface.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:triggering an alert when the values received have reached a data noisethreshold; and triggering an alert when the threshold has been exceeded.18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: responsive to decodingthe decodable indicia into a decoded message, querying a client usingthe identifier; and receiving a response from the client wherein theresponse comprises descriptive information about the physical object.19. The method of claim 14, wherein responsive to detecting acommunication interface command, making physical contact with the areaof the physical object; and responsive to making contact with the areaof the physical object, storing in the memory a first location of theapparatus as a point of origin.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a scannerthat scans a signal of decodable indicia on an area of a physical objectwherein decoding the decodable indicia results in a message thatcontains information describing the physical object; a motion sensor;wherein a point of origin of the apparatus is described by informationin the message at the area of the physical object; and wherein,responsive to the physical movement of the apparatus, a spatial positionof the apparatus is determined relative to the point of origin based ona plurality of values received from the motion sensor, wherein themotion sensor is provided by receiving motional values of the apparatusin at least three mutually-perpendicular directions, and wherein theapparatus determines a change of a spatial position of the apparatusbased on proper motional values received in the at least threemutually-perpendicular directions.